DWSRF Project No. FS010116-01

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $466,000 in financial assistance available to the Walter Water Authority using funds from the FY 2009 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In accordance with State and Federal regulations, which govern the program, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has conducted an environmental review to assess the potential impacts upon the environment, which may result from implementation of this project.

The Walter Water Authority proposes to upgrade the 3.5 mile water main connection with the City of Cullman from a 6-inch PVC water line to an 8-inch ductile iron water line. The project is located along State Highway 91 between Hanceville and Holy Pond. Also included is the upating/replacing of a pressure reducing station. The upgrade will allow more volume and higher pressures to be delivered to residents and will result in cost savings to the system. The proposed improvements will allow the Walter Water system to better serve its customers with a safe and reliable source of drinking water.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from further environmental study under the guidelines specified by the State Environmental Review Process (SERP) which specifically include actions which are solely directed toward minor rehabilitation of existing facilities, functional replacement of equipment, or towards the construction of new ancillary facilities adjacent or appurtenant to existing facilities. However, this decision may be reconsidered if significant adverse information concerning the potential environmental impacts of the project is discovered.

Comments relative to this project should be submitted in writing to Mr. Michael Barilone, SRF and Operator Certification Section, Permit and Services Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Post Office Box 301463, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463, no later than 30 days after the date of this CE. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will not take formal action to proceed with the project without carefully evaluating any public comments opposing the project.

This notice is hereby given this July 2, 2009, by authority of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

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Onis "Trey" Glenn, III

Director